Jalen Duren Dominates as Pistons Defeat Rockets 107-96

HOUSTON — Jalen Duren delivered a commanding performance Monday night, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 107-96 victory over the Houston Rockets. The third-year center dominated early, scoring 12 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting and grabbing three offensive rebounds in the first quarter alone.

Duren finished the game with 16 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and two blocks, setting the tone for the Pistons (22-21) as they climbed back above .500. His defensive prowess was particularly notable, as he stifled Rockets’ standout Alperen Sengun, who was held to 11 points on 5-for-14 shooting.

“He is a tone-setter, and that’s what we ask him to be,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “How he goes, especially to start the game, typically is how this team goes. We put a ton of pressure on him to bring that juice, to bring that energy, and help this team get off to great starts.”

Duren’s defensive impact has been a bright spot this season. Per 100 possessions, he’s averaging a career-high 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals. Despite a slight dip in minutes—down to 25.1 per game from 29.1 last season—his efficiency remains high, shooting 70.3% from the field.

Teammate Isaiah Stewart, who shares the center position with Duren, has also been a key contributor. Stewart, known for his defensive intensity, has provided a complementary presence off the bench. “That’s my brother, man,” Duren said of Stewart. “He’s the type of guy that any team would love to have. He does all the little things that might not show up in the stat sheet.”

Together, Duren and Stewart have given Bickerstaff versatile options in the frontcourt. While Stewart excels in perimeter defense and physicality, Duren’s athleticism and pick-and-roll chemistry with Cade Cunningham have been instrumental. “They took an individual challenge and did a good job,” Bickerstaff said of their defensive efforts against Sengun.

The Pistons’ victory marked a significant step forward as they continue to build momentum in the season. Duren’s standout performance underscored his growing role as a cornerstone of the team’s success.